Over the past two weeks, 1-508 completed LTP at Fort Polk, LA while
the rest of the battalion focused on physical fitness, individual and
crew marksmanship training and live fires, CS-17 fielding, and readiness
preparation for the upcoming DRE and BCT JOAX.

We also want to thank the air crews from B Co 3/82 who supported
our Airborne Operation on 18 JUL. Jumpers staged, donned parachutes,
and loaded 2 x CH47 at MONROE PZ. 813 x Paratroopers from every battalion
in 3 BCT, as well as members of both division and corps staffs, participated
in the operation. All jumpers exited safely. The Airborne Operation
was supported by the 1-508 PIR FRG, and multiple Paratroopers had the
opportunity to reenlist on the aircraft.

We have great news to report from Fort Benning. Alpha Company’s SPC
Lieschner graduated from Ranger School on 14 JUL! SPC Lieschner is a
motivated junior leader with incredible potential. He is prepared to
return to his squad and lead a fire team with distinction. His example
is one we expect other young Paratroopers will follow.

On 11 JUL, Delta Company Paratroopers conducted M240 marksmanship
at RG 51. 33 x Paratroopers in total trained dismounted, turret mounted,
and CROW mounted marksmanship. The training effectively prepared this
lethal team for gunnery scheduled in late August (TW 49).

From 12-13 JUL, Alpha Company Paratroopers executed a known distance
range at range 62B. 78 x Paratroopers engaged steel targets using their
assigned weapon system and ACOG from 285-485 yards with a coach spotting.
A Co leaders used the event to identify Squad Designated Marksman(
(see storyboard)).

Also on 13 JUL, Alpha Company qualified 25 x Paratroopers on the
M9 pistol. For many of the shooters, this was their first opportunity
to fire and qualify on an M9. A Co mortar-men, machine gunners, and
ACP guards were given the opportunity to execute the Alternate Pistol
Qualification tables to further train and increase proficiency with
the weapon system ((see storyboard)).

13-14JUL, 83 x Charlie Company Paratroopers participated in Advanced
Rifle Marksmanship at Range 42. Platoons conducted dismounted movement
to Range 42, rotating through day iterations of a firing table which
stressed multiple types of cover and firing positions. Each Platoon
also conducted platoon level patrolling classes and exercises in Area
J while continuing to test Future Initiatives Equipment. Each Platoon
conducted a night iteration of the same firing table. The event concluded
with a dismounted exfiltration back to the Company Area, incorporating
the establishment of Platoon ORPs during the movement (see
storyboard).

2. Physical Fitness.

On 14 JUL, 74 x Paratroopers from Bravo Company conducted a Best
Platoon Physical Competition. The competition consisted of three events:
a 2 mile race to the Obstacle Course in kit, a timed run through the
obstacle course, and a pugel stick round robin. The successful team
building event boosted moral, and provided a challenging workout (see
storyboard).

3. Medical Skills.

NSTR.

4. Communication.

From 10-14JUL, 4 x Fury Paratroopers continued Capability Set 17
Validation of the PRC-154A radios with end user devices, and the PRC-155
radios with cross-banding capabilities. Radio checks included generating
radio configuration files from J-TNT computers to load directly to radios,
Loading of SRW and SINCGARS COMSEC, and Cross-banding between
waveforms. (see
storyboard)). Additionally, 1-508 delivered an additional 12
x vehicles to the WIN-T yard and continues to make progress through
the first phase of CS-17 validation exercises.

From 11-13 JUL Juliet Company Paratroopers conducted mounted maneuver
battle drills at Freedom City in preparation for vehicle movement live
fires and JRTC. The focus of training ensured paratroopers could properly
perform react to contact, react to an IED/UXO, react to a downed vehicle
(under fire), react to indirect fire, and establish a LZ/HLZ. In
addition to maneuver training, Juliet Company leadership emphasized
reporting requirements and mission command functions. Training
culminated with single vehicle Movement Live Fire (see storyboard)).
On 18JUL Juliet Company Paratroopers conducted HEAT simulator
training. The focus of this training was expose Paratroopers to
roll-over scenarios, and how to avoid them. (see storyboard)).

On 18 JUL, 9 x Paratroopers from 2nd PLT Bravo Company participated
and won the 3BCT Best Squad Competition. The competition started with
the All American Mile Obstacle course which included the additional
tasks of donning their assigned Pro Masks and completing the obstacle
course as a squad. Following the All American Mile, all squads were
required to complete a RIGEX within 15 minutes to standard. The last
event of the Best Squad Competition was an inspection of each
Paratroopers packing list in their rucksacks. (see storyboard)).

Following the airborne operation on 18 JUL, 92 Charlie Company Paratroopers
participated in Platoon STX at Afghan Village. Platoon leadership taught
classes on LDA and ODA crossing, conducting an ambush, and establishing
a patrol base. Following the classes, each Platoon was given time to
rehearse and prepare to execute an ambush. Platoons then conducted ambush
lanes that incorporated mounted and dismounted OPFOR (see storyboard)).

6. Mastery of Maintenance.

Over the past two weeks the Maintenance Section has focused on repairing
and preparing 1-508 vehicles for CS-17 integration. The Maintenance
team completed ten unscheduled vehicle repairs and three planned services
(1 truck, 1 generator, 1 trailer). Our wrecker team also conducted two
recovery operations. With the support of the LRC, our armament section
was able to repair nine PVS-14s and two PSQ-20Bs. Deferred ordering
continues on ZPARK as B Co finalized over $43K in shortages identified
during change of command inventories. Furthermore, the sustainment team
published the BN operations order and scheme of maneuver for the upcoming
maintenance stand-down week. All pieces of equipment will receive a
10 level PMCS during the stand-down period and the battalion human resources
and medical teams will execute an internal SRP in preparation for deployment
to JRTC in September.

The Distribution Platoon continued to support the BN by conducting
five class V turn-ins and two class V ammo draws at the ASP and provided
782 meals of class I support to the BN during the airborne operation
on 18 JUL.

On 17 JUL, SSG Hamilton held a refresher class on PMCS of the HMMWV
and LMTV for Motor pool NCOs and line company operators.

7. Airborne Proficiency.

On 18 JUL, 1-508 PIR conducted a rotary wing jump supported by 2
x CH47s from B CO 3/82 CAB. The Jumpers staged, donned parachutes
and loaded aircraft at MONROE PZ and dropped on Sicily DZ. 813 x
Paratroopers from every battalion in 3 BCT, as well as members of
both division and corps, participated in the operation,
significantly contributing to the Brigade’s currency and proficiency
in airborne operations. All jumpers exited safely. The Airborne
Operation was supported by the 1-508 PIR FRG, and multiple
Paratroopers had the opportunity to reenlist on the aircraft (see storyboard)).

8. Live Fire Exercises.

From 8-9 JUN, 35 Paratroopers from the Battalion Mortar Platoon
executed a Shoot House at Range 62A. Key tasks trained included
enter and clear a room/building, exterior movements in urban
terrain, communication while maneuvering, and target discrimination.
Concurrent training conducted included enter and clear a building as
a Squad. The purpose of this training was to generate adaptive and
agile mortar-men capable of giving their commanders multiple options
for tactical employment in future operations (see storyboard)).

School Updates.

We currently have 38 Jumpmasters, with eight Paratroopers in the
current JM course.

On 14 JUL Alpha Company’s SPC Lieschner graduated from Ranger School.
Currently, 1-508 PIR has two Paratroopers in Ranger School: 2LT Keck
(HHC) is preparing for Day 1 next week, SPC Lucci (A Co) is in Mountain
Phase, and we are scheduled to send 8 Paratroopers to the next SURT
class beginning on 24 JUL.

GRF Operations.

1-508 PIR is currently on the GRB3. During training week 43 the Battalion
executed a Red Corvette to validate the alert roster. Companies continue
to ensure that their Paratroopers individual gear and equipment is prepared
for the DRE and part of the maintenance stand down program of instruction
is focused on ORS preparation.

WIN TOMORROW’S FIGHT

From 11-12JUN2016, 25 x 1-508 PIR Paratroopers from Bravo Company
conducted a Team Leader Academy. All Team Leaders from the company participated
in this two day event which focused on administrative areas including:
NCOERs, writing skills, awards, counseling statements, and
information on the role of the Inspector General. The training was
conducted in the Bravo Company Classroom. Each Team leader left the
training with an increased knowledge base of the administrative
requirements of a non-commissioned officer (see storyboard)).

PARATROOPERS FOR LIFE

On 18 JUL, three Charlie Company Paratroopers were reenlisted by
LTC McChyrstal on board a CH-47, just prior to exiting over Sicily
DZ. Afterwards, the jumpers were able to enjoy some family time with
the FRG (see storyboard)).

NEXT TWO WEEKS

Over the next two weeks, 1-508 PIR’s focus will be CS-17 fielding
and validation, while simultaneously executing the DRE and the BCT FTX.
The Battalion will return from the field and begin recovery operations,
preparing for Division’s Maintenance Stand Down in training weeks 46
and 47.

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